Seat assembly with ignition switch and switch actuator

ABSTRACT

A seat includes a seat frame and a resilient web supported by the seat frame. The web is adapted for movement between an at rest condition in which no operator is seated on the seat, and a deflected condition in which the web is deflected with respect to the frame in response to an operator seated on the seat. A switch actuator is mounted to the web and is movable between a non-actuating position when the web is in the at rest condition and an actuating position when the web is in the deflected condition. A switch is mounted to the frame, the switch includes first and second parts movable with respect to each other to open and close an electrical circuit in response to the switch actuator moving between the non-actuating and actuating positions. A distal end of the switch actuator engages the switch at least when the switch actuator is in the actuating position

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.11/770,917, filed Jun. 29, 2007, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a seat assembly that includes anignition switch and an actuator for actuating the switch.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a seat comprising: a seatframe; a resilient web supported by the seat frame, the web adapted formovement between an at rest condition in which no operator is seated onthe seat, and a deflected condition in which the web is deflected withrespect to the frame in response to an operator seated on the seat; aswitch actuator mounted to the web and movable between a non-actuatingposition when the web is in the at rest condition and an actuatingposition when the web is in the deflected condition; and a switchmounted to the frame, the switch having first and second parts movablewith respect to each other to open and close an electrical circuit inresponse to the switch actuator moving between the non-actuating andactuating positions, wherein the seat includes a front portion proximatethe legs of a person sitting in the seat, a rear portion opposite thefront portion, and left and right side portions between the front andrear portions on opposite sides of the seat; wherein the web is mountedto the frame at the right and left side portions of the seat; whereinthe switch actuator includes an elongated rigid member having proximaland distal ends, the proximal end mounted to the web in the rear portionof the seat and the switch actuator extending along the web to positionthe distal end in the front portion of the seat; and wherein the switchis mounted to the frame in the front portion of the seat beneath thedistal end of the switch actuator, such that the distal end engages theswitch at least when the elongated rigid member is in the actuatingposition.

In some embodiments, the switch is adapted for use with an ignitionsystem of an off-highway vehicle, and the switch disables the ignitionsystem in response to the switch actuator moving into the non-actuatingposition. In some embodiments, the seat includes at least one fastenerconnecting the switch actuator to the resilient web adjacent theproximal end. In some embodiments, the seat includes a supportconnecting the switch actuator to the web between the proximal end andthe distal end. In some embodiments, the first part of the switch ismounted to the frame and the switch actuator applies a force to thesecond part of the switch in response to the switch actuator moving intothe actuating position, the force applied to the second part of theswitch moving the second part with respect to the first part. In someembodiments, the switch includes a biasing member biasing the first andsecond parts away from each other, and the switch actuator applies acompressive force to the biasing member through the second part of theswitch in response to the switch actuator moving into the actuatingposition, such that the biasing member deflects to permit the secondpart of the switch to move with respect to the first part of the switch.In some embodiments, the distal end of the switch actuator is a free endnot connected to the web. In some embodiments, the actuator includes anindentation and a portion of the indentation applies a force against atleast one of the first and second parts of the switch in response to theactuator moving into the actuating position to cause relative movementbetween the first and second parts. In some embodiments, the indentationis configured to apply the force against at least one of the first andsecond parts of the switch over a full range of deflection angles of theactuator. In some embodiments, the distal end of the elongated rigidmember engages the switch when the switch actuator is in thenon-actuating position.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an off-highway vehiclecomprising: a chassis; a wheel supporting the chassis; a prime movermounted to the chassis; a transmission for driving the wheel in responseto the operation of the prime mover; a seat frame; a resilient websupported by the seat frame, the web adapted for movement between an atrest condition in which no operator is seated on the seat, and adeflected condition in which the web is deflected with respect to theframe in response to an operator seated on the seat; a switch actuatormounted to the web and movable between a non-actuating position when theweb is in the at rest condition and an actuating position when the webis in the deflected condition; and a switch mounted to the frame, theswitch having first and second parts movable with respect to each otherto open and close an electrical circuit to enable and disable operationof the prime mover, in response to the switch actuator moving betweenthe non-actuating and actuating positions, wherein the first part of theswitch is mounted to the frame and wherein the switch actuator applies aforce to the second part of the switch in response to the switchactuator moving into the actuating position, the force applied to thesecond part of the switch moving the second part with respect to thefirst part; wherein the switch includes a biasing member biasing thefirst and second parts away from each other, and wherein the switchactuator applies a compressive force to the biasing member through thesecond part of the switch in response to the switch actuator moving intothe actuating position, such that the biasing member deflects to permitthe second part of the switch to move with respect to the first part ofthe switch, wherein the seat includes a front portion proximate the legsof a person sitting in the seat, a rear portion opposite the frontportion, and left and right side portions between the front and rearportions on opposite sides of the seat; wherein the web is mounted tothe frame at the right and left side portions of the seat; wherein theswitch actuator includes an elongated rigid member having proximal anddistal ends, the proximal end being mounted to the web in the rearportion of the seat and the switch actuator extending along the web toposition the distal end in the front portion of the web; and wherein theswitch is mounted to the frame in the front portion of the seat beneaththe distal end of the switch actuator, such that the distal end engagesthe switch at least when the switch actuator is in the actuatingposition.

In some embodiments, off-highway vehicle includes of claim 11, whereinthe prime mover includes an internal combustion member; wherein theelectrical circuit includes an ignition circuit enabling operation ofthe engine when closed and disabling operation of the engine when open;and wherein the switch opens the ignition circuit in response to theswitch actuator moving into the non-actuating position and closes theignition circuit in response to the switch actuator moving into theactuating position. In some embodiments, off-highway vehicle includes atleast one fastener connecting the switch actuator to the resilient webadjacent the proximal end. In some embodiments, off-highway vehicleincludes a support connecting the switch actuator to the web between theproximal end and the distal end. In some embodiments, the seat frame isconstructed of members having a frame thickness; and the height of theswitch is about equal to the frame thickness such that substantially theentire switch is positioned within the height of the frame. In someembodiments, the switch actuator includes an indentation and a portionof the indentation applies a force against at least one of the first andsecond parts of the switch in response to the actuator moving into theactuating position to cause relative movement between the first andsecond parts. In some embodiments, the indentation is configured toapply the force against at least one of the first and second parts ofthe switch over a full range of deflection angles of the actuator. Insome embodiments, the distal end of the switch actuator is a free endnot connected to the web. In some embodiments, the distal end of theelongated rigid member engages the switch when the switch actuator is inthe non-actuating position.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an off-highway vehicle including a seatassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the seat assembly with cushions removed.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 showingthe seat in an at-rest condition.

FIG. 5 is the same view as FIG. 4 but showing the seat in a bottomed-outdeflected condition.

FIG. 6 is the same view as FIGS. 4 and 5, but showing the seat in adeflected condition corresponding to a lighter weight operator sittingon a rear portion of the seat.

FIG. 7 is the same view as FIGS. 4-6, but showing the seat in adeflected condition corresponding to a lighter weight operator sittingon a front portion of the seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an off-highway vehicle 10 that includes a chassis 15,wheels 20 supporting the chassis 15, an internal combustion engine 25mounted to the chassis 15, and a seat 30 mounted to the chassis 15. Anoperator zone of the vehicle 10 includes the seat 30, a control panel 35within reach of an operator seated in the seat 30, and control levers 40within reach of an operator seated in the seat 30. The illustratedoff-highway vehicle 10 is commonly referred to as a zero-turn radiuslawn mower, but the invention may be embodied in other types ofoff-highway vehicles and other vehicles intended for road use; theinvention is not limited to the application illustrated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the engine 25 includes an ignition system45 that provides a spark or other event that drives combustion withinthe internal combustion engine 25. Although the engine 25 in theillustrated embodiment is of the internal combustion variety, theinvention is applicable to any type of engine, and the term “ignitionsystem,” as applied to this invention, refers to the part of the enginethat sustains its continued operation. In this regard, the ignitionsystem 45 may be termed an ignition circuit that permits operation ofthe engine 25 when closed and disables operation of the engine 25 whenopen. Although the illustrated embodiment includes an internalcombustion engine 25, the present invention may be applied to vehiclesand systems having alternative prime movers, such as batteries or otherenergy storage devices, fuel cells, or gas/electric hybrid drivesystems. In such other embodiments, the ignition system would includethe electric circuit that enables and disables the prime mover tooperate or that enables and disables the vehicle drive and implementsystems to operate under the influence of the prime mover.

In the illustrated embodiment, the engine 25 drives rotation of at leastone of the wheels 20 through a transmission (e.g., a hydraulic,electric, or mechanical transmission). The operator independentlycontrols speed and direction of rotation of the left and right sidewheels 20 via the control levers 40. The engine 25 also selectivelydrives rotation of one or more cutting blades 55 under a mower deck 60to cut vegetation over which the vehicle 10 travels. The mower deck 60is raised and lowered with respect to the chassis by operation of deckactuators 65 which may be controlled by switches on the control panel35. The mower deck 60 may include wheels 70 or other mechanisms tofacilitate the deck 60 moving smoothly over ground to maintain an evencutting height for the blades 55.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the seat 30 includes back and bottomcushions 110, 115, respectively, to accommodate an operator of thevehicle 10. The seat 30 includes a seat frame 120 that includes frontand rear portions 130, 135, respectively, and left and right sideportions 140, 145, respectively, extending between the front and rearportions 130 and 135. The terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right”refer to the perspective of an operator seated in the seat 30 for normaluse. A “front portion” of the seat 30 is that portion proximate the legsof an operator seated in the seat 30. The “front portion” is closer tothe front portion 130 of the frame 120 than to the rear portion 135, anda “rear portion” of the seat 30 is that portion closer to the rearportion 135 of the frame 120 than to the front portion 130.

The side portions 140, 145 include support brackets 150 to which aremounted a resilient web 180, such that the web 180 extends across theseat frame 120 between the left and right side portions 140, 145. Theillustrated web 180 is made of a flexible, strong, resilient material.One suitable material for use in the web 180 is sold under the Dymetroltrademark of E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company. A top surface of theweb 180 supports the bottom cushion 115 of the seat 30, and a bottomsurface of the web 180 faces down away from the cushion 115.

FIG. 4 illustrates the seat 30 in an at rest condition in which nooperator is seated upon the seat 30 and the web 180 is in an at-rest orundeflected condition. A seat switch assembly 210 includes a switch 220and a switch actuator 230. The switch 220 includes a first part, body,or housing 235 and a second part or plunger 240 that are movable withrespect to each other. The illustrated switch 220 includes first andsecond parts 235, 240 in telescoping relationship, with the second partmovable into and out of the first part 235. The switch body 235 isrigidly mounted to a bracket 245 that is mounted to a cross-member 250that is mounted to the left and right side portions 140, 150 of frame120 (see also FIG. 3). In other embodiments, the switch body 235 may bemounted directly to the frame 120. The bracket 245 and switch 220 arecentered between the left and right side portions 140, 150 of the frame120. The plunger 240 that is biased by a biasing mechanism 255 (e.g., aspring) into the extended position illustrated in FIG. 4.

One suitable switch 220 is commercially available from Delta Systems,Inc., model number 6440-04, and referred to by the manufacturer as a“1-pole Low Profile Snap Mount Momentary Plunger Switch Series.” Theswitch body 235 may have a height of about one inch, which may in someembodiments be about equal to the diameter of the tubes that define theframe 120. The switch 220 may in such embodiments be regarded as lowprofile because it can fit within the height of the frame 120.

In the at rest position (illustrated in FIG. 4), the spring 255 biasesthe plunger 240 to protrude beyond the upper surface of the switch body235, and the switch 220 opens the circuit in which the switch isincorporated. When the plunger 240 is depressed and held (i.e., inresponse to an operator sitting on the seat 30), the switch 220 closesthe circuit in which it is incorporated. In the illustrated embodiment,the switch 220 is integrated into the engine's ignition system 45. Theplunger 240 must be depressed to close the ignition circuit 45 andenable the engine 25 to operate. If the plunger 240 is released andreturns to its at rest position, the ignition circuit 45 is opened andthe engine 25 will not run. It should also be noted that wirelesscontrol systems can be substituted for the hard-wired circuitillustrated. In such wireless control systems, the switch 220 wouldenable or disable a wireless signal generator to control the ignitionsystem 45.

The switch actuator 230 includes a proximal end 275 and a distal end280. The proximal end 275 is mounted to the bottom surface of theresilient web 180 in the rear portion of the seat assembly 30 withfasteners 285. The fasteners 285 extend through aligned holes in theproximal end 275 of the actuator 230 and the web 180. While theillustrated fasteners 285 are rivets, other means for fastening theswitch actuator to the resilient web 180 may be used, such as threadedmechanical fasteners, clips, hooks, or adhesives. The switch actuator230 is centered between the left and right side portions 140, 150 of theframe 120 and extends in cantilever fashion along the bottom surface ofthe web 180, with the proximal end 275 roughly under the tailbone of anoperator sitting in the rear portion of the seat 30, and the distal end280 in the front portion of the seat 30. The distal end 280 includes anactuator indentation 290 which is positioned over the switch 220.

When the seat 30 is in the at rest condition illustrated in FIG. 4, theswitch actuator 230 is in a non-actuating position, and when the web 180is in a deflected condition (i.e., in response to an operator sitting onthe seat 30) the switch actuator is in an actuating position. While theactuator 230 is in the non-actuating position, the distal end 280 of theswitch actuator 230 is over the plunger 240 of the switch 220. Theswitch actuator 230 may be spaced from the plunger 240 or contact theplunger 240, provided there is insufficient force applied to the plunger240 to actuate the switch 220 due to the switch actuator 230 resting onthe plunger 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator indentation290 provides a space of about five-eighths (⅝) of an inch between theactuator 230 and the switch 220 when the actuator is in thenon-actuating position.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate additional cross sectional views of theseat 30, each showing the presence of an operator upon the seat. FIG. 5shows the position of the seat components in response to the presence ofa heavy operator seated upon the rear portion of the seat 30, andbottoming the seat out. FIG. 6 shows the position of the seat componentsin response to the presence of a comparatively lighter operator seatedupon the rear portion of the seat 30. FIG. 7 shows the position of theseat components in response to the lighter operator seated upon thefront portion of the seat 30.

The web 180 deflects in response to an operator sitting upon the seat30, and in this regard FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 all illustrate positions of theresilient web 180 that may be termed a deflected condition. The switchactuator 230 moves from the non-actuating position to the actuatingposition in response to the deflection of the resilient web 180. In thisregard, FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate actuating positions of the switchactuator 230. In the actuating positions, the distal end 280 of theswitch actuator 230 may separate from contact with the bottom surface ofthe web 180 (e.g., when a heavier operator sits on the rear portion ofthe seat 30 as in FIG. 5) and cantilever over the switch 220. Theactuator indentation 290 ensures that the switch actuator 230 applies adownward force on the plunger 240, which may also be called acompressive force on the switch 220, when the actuator 230 moves intothe actuated position. The depth of the actuator indentation 290 may beadjusted to modify the sensitivity of the switch assembly 210, and alsoto prevent the plunger 240 from bottoming out within the housing 235.Movement of the switch actuator 230 into any of the actuated positions(i.e., over the full range of deflection angles that may be imposed onthe actuator 230 in response to operators of a wide variety of weightssitting in various positions on the seat 30) causes the plunger 240 todeflect into the housing 235, which closes the ignition circuit 45 andenables the engine 25 to function.

When an operator gets out of the seat 30, the resilient web 180 returnsto the at rest condition, which moves the actuator 230 to thenon-actuating position and permits the biasing member 255 in the switch220 to move the plunger 240 into the at-rest unactuated position, whichin turn opens the ignition circuit 45. In other embodiments, the switchmay be flipped around so that the plunger 240 is fixed with respect tothe frame 120 and the housing 235 is engaged by the actuator 230.

Although the illustrated embodiment described above contemplates use ofa normally open switch, it could in other embodiments include a normallyclosed switch that connects the ignition circuit 45 to a groundingcircuit when the switch actuator 230 moves to the non-actuated position.Although the illustrated embodiment described above controls an ignitioncircuit 45, other embodiments may apply the invention to other types ofcircuits, including but not limited to airbag deployment, transmissioninterlocks, and implement power take off circuits.

Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a seat switch assemblymounted to a frame and resilient web of a seat assembly. Variousfeatures and advantages of the invention are set forth in the followingclaims.

1. A seat comprising: a seat frame; a resilient web supported by theseat frame, the web adapted for movement between an at rest condition inwhich no operator is seated on the seat, and a deflected condition inwhich the web is deflected with respect to the frame in response to anoperator seated on the seat; a switch actuator mounted to the web andmovable between a non-actuating position when the web is in the at restcondition and an actuating position when the web is in the deflectedcondition; and a switch mounted to the frame, the switch having firstand second parts movable with respect to each other to open and close anelectrical circuit in response to the switch actuator moving between thenon-actuating and actuating positions, wherein the seat includes a frontportion proximate the legs of a person sitting in the seat, a rearportion opposite the front portion, and left and right side portionsbetween the front and rear portions on opposite sides of the seat;wherein the web is mounted to the frame at the right and left sideportions of the seat; wherein the switch actuator includes an elongatedrigid member having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end mountedto the web in the rear portion of the seat and the switch actuatorextending along the web to position the distal end in the front portionof the seat; and wherein the switch is mounted to the frame in the frontportion of the seat beneath the distal end of the switch actuator, suchthat the distal end engages the switch at least when the elongated rigidmember is in the actuating position.
 2. The seat of claim 1, wherein theswitch is adapted for use with an ignition system of an off-highwayvehicle, and the switch disables the ignition system in response to theswitch actuator moving into the non-actuating position.
 3. The seat ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one fastener connecting the switchactuator to the resilient web adjacent the proximal end.
 4. The seat ofclaim 3, further comprising a support connecting the switch actuator tothe web between the proximal end and the distal end.
 5. The seat ofclaim 1, wherein the first part of the switch is mounted to the frameand wherein the switch actuator applies a force to the second part ofthe switch in response to the switch actuator moving into the actuatingposition, the force applied to the second part of the switch moving thesecond part with respect to the first part.
 6. The seat of claim 5,wherein the switch includes a biasing member biasing the first andsecond parts away from each other, and wherein the switch actuatorapplies a compressive force to the biasing member through the secondpart of the switch in response to the switch actuator moving into theactuating position, such that the biasing member deflects to permit thesecond part of the switch to move with respect to the first part of theswitch.
 7. The seat of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the switchactuator is a free end not connected to the web.
 8. The seat of claim 1,wherein the actuator includes an indentation and wherein a portion ofthe indentation applies a force against at least one of the first andsecond parts of the switch in response to the actuator moving into theactuating position to cause relative movement between the first andsecond parts.
 9. The seat of claim 8, wherein the indentation isconfigured to apply the force against at least one of the first andsecond parts of the switch over a full range of deflection angles of theactuator.
 10. The seat of claim 1, wherein the distal end of theelongated rigid member engages the switch when the switch actuator is inthe non-actuating position.
 11. An off-highway vehicle comprising: achassis; a wheel supporting the chassis; a prime mover mounted to thechassis; a transmission for driving the wheel in response to theoperation of the prime mover; a seat frame; a resilient web supported bythe seat frame, the web adapted for movement between an at restcondition in which no operator is seated on the seat, and a deflectedcondition in which the web is deflected with respect to the frame inresponse to an operator seated on the seat; a switch actuator mounted tothe web and movable between a non-actuating position when the web is inthe at rest condition and an actuating position when the web is in thedeflected condition; and a switch mounted to the frame, the switchhaving first and second parts movable with respect to each other to openand close an electrical circuit to enable and disable operation of theprime mover, in response to the switch actuator moving between thenon-actuating and actuating positions, wherein the first part of theswitch is mounted to the frame and wherein the switch actuator applies aforce to the second part of the switch in response to the switchactuator moving into the actuating position, the force applied to thesecond part of the switch moving the second part with respect to thefirst part; wherein the switch includes a biasing member biasing thefirst and second parts away from each other, and wherein the switchactuator applies a compressive force to the biasing member through thesecond part of the switch in response to the switch actuator moving intothe actuating position, such that the biasing member deflects to permitthe second part of the switch to move with respect to the first part ofthe switch, wherein the seat includes a front portion proximate the legsof a person sitting in the seat, a rear portion opposite the frontportion, and left and right side portions between the front and rearportions on opposite sides of the seat; wherein the web is mounted tothe frame at the right and left side portions of the seat; wherein theswitch actuator includes an elongated rigid member having proximal anddistal ends, the proximal end being mounted to the web in the rearportion of the seat and the switch actuator extending along the web toposition the distal end in the front portion of the web; and wherein theswitch is mounted to the frame in the front portion of the seat beneaththe distal end of the switch actuator, such that the distal end engagesthe switch at least when the switch actuator is in the actuatingposition.
 12. The off-highway vehicle of claim 11, wherein the primemover includes an internal combustion member; wherein the electricalcircuit includes an ignition circuit enabling operation of the enginewhen closed and disabling operation of the engine when open; and whereinthe switch opens the ignition circuit in response to the switch actuatormoving into the non-actuating position and closes the ignition circuitin response to the switch actuator moving into the actuating position.13. The off-highway vehicle of claim 11, further comprising at least onefastener connecting the switch actuator to the resilient web adjacentthe proximal end.
 14. The off-highway vehicle of claim 13, furthercomprising a support connecting the switch actuator to the web betweenthe proximal end and the distal end.
 15. The off-highway vehicle ofclaim 11, wherein the seat frame is constructed of members having aframe thickness; and wherein the height of the switch is about equal tothe frame thickness such that substantially the entire switch ispositioned within the height of the frame.
 16. The off-highway vehicleof claim 11, wherein the switch actuator includes an indentation andwherein a portion of the indentation applies a force against at leastone of the first and second parts of the switch in response to theactuator moving into the actuating position to cause relative movementbetween the first and second parts.
 17. The off-highway vehicle of claim16, wherein the indentation is configured to apply the force against atleast one of the first and second parts of the switch over a full rangeof deflection angles of the actuator.
 18. The seat of claim 11, whereinthe distal end of the switch actuator is a free end not connected to theweb.
 19. The seat of claim 11, wherein the distal end of the elongatedrigid member engages the switch when the switch actuator is in thenon-actuating position.